Sites

New Mexico

LOCAL WORKFORCE AREA(S):

Central Area Workforce Development Board — Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico (WCCNM)

BRIEF SITE DESCRIPTION:

In 2006, New Mexico engaged in a government initiative that brought together state workforce partners: Children Youth and Family Services, Colleges and Universities, Economic Development, Public Education, Labor and Employment, Social Services and Workforce Training. A guidebook was developed to help individuals navigate the system to better understand the education and training that was required and available for occupations in seven career clusters. In the State’s current strategic plan, the Department of Workforce Solutions recognizes and continues the support of prioritizing industry and targeting resources for occupational skills training. The Department of Workforce Solutions’ strategic plan promotes the following: Design training programs for adults and youth that meet the needs of targeted industries in alignment with state and national strategic priorities; use an industry cluster approach for service delivery; enhance service delivery to focus on skill assessment and development; work cooperatively with the department of Economic Development, Public Education, Higher Education, and other state agencies to avoid fragmentation and enhance coordination and sharing of resources; coordinate with the Public Education Department on development of Career Pathways and curricula to support the New Mexico Career Clusters initiative in order to promote New Mexico career opportunities; and serve as a convening resource for industry, workforce, education, and economic development around industry clusters. The Central Workforce Investment Region is comprised of Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia counties and includes the cities of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. Most of the state’s major technological industries and businesses are located in this region, which is the state’s most populous but geographically smallest region.

GOALS:

Specific policy gaps or deficiencies the team will address through its participation in this technical assistance program:

Business and industry engagement; develop a strong role for employers in pathway development; worksite training and contribution of resources.

Program innovation; innovations in program content, delivery, integration; get stakeholders excited about the value of career pathways;

Sequencing of education and training that leads to credentials with value in the labor market;

Curriculum development and training to specific industry standards; portable credentialing and certification

System and partnerships; build sustainability by institutionalizing change

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About Career Pathways

The Career Pathways Community of Practice helps workforce development leaders, practitioners, and policymakers expand state and local career pathways efforts currently underway or being planned. This CoP will enhance your knowledge, skills, and expertise in building effective career pathways systems.